Emily lay in the silken sheets, engulfed by the shadows cast upon their bedroom walls. Despite the peaceful twilight, with no noise but the soothing cascade of the shower, she found herself overwhelmed with memory and emotion. It seemed like a lifetime ago when Adam's touch ignited her senses, when every meeting of their fingertips resembled an electrifying dance. She closed her eyes and pictured the warmth of the sun breaking through the window, the morning dew on the rose petals, the fresh aroma of coffee brewing--back then, each moment of their life held meaning and brought them closer.
Her breath caught in her throat, anxiety bubbling just below the surface. The possibility of their infertility tearing apart their precious, fragile bond loomed over her like an insidious specter.
I can't lose Adam. I can't. I can't live without him. Please, I can't lose him, too.
A sudden wave of panic surged within her, crushing her spirit with an invisible force. She gasped for air, a desperate plea against the encroaching dread, and with trembling fingers she clenched the sheets as tightly as she could----all she could do to contain the uncontrollable, despaired shrieks that echoed through her mind and threatened to explode out of her. With deep breaths, she resolved to conceal her despair from Adam, terrified that negativity would further weaken their already-tenuous bond.
The water ceased in the bathroom, trickling into spattered echoes of lingering droplets and Adam emerged like a mirage from the haze of steam that poured from the bathroom door. Intuitively recognizing the somber energy that enveloped Emily, he settled wordlessly beside her on their bed and clasped his fingers together with hers.
Emily closed her eyes and sighed deeply, her sea of thoughts surging and crashing, storming through her mind. Squeezing her husband's hand tighter, she shifted her body to rest her head on his chest, her slender legs entwining with his. As his fingers began stroking the small of her back, Emily slipped her delicate hands along his waist and snuggled deeper into his familiar warmth. His rhythmic heartbeat calmed her like a murmuring, soothing lullaby.
"Adam, I love you so much," Emily's voice quivered with heartfelt emotion.